I wake up under Father Wing like always, so I stretched my body and wings.
I jab Father leg and belly to make him know that I'm a wake.
Father stirred, his massive body shifting slightly as he responded to my gentle jabs. "Ah, Tharros, good morning," he said, his deep voice rumbling beneath me. "Time to start the day, I suppose?"
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he carefully lifted his wing, allowing me to crawl out from underneath.
I nodded. "I will go outside for a little bit, but I will be back before the afternoon!"
"Be careful, Tharros," Father said, his expression serious for a moment. "The skies can be unpredictable, and I don't want you to get caught in any unexpected storms. Stay close to home, okay?" He watched me with a keen eye, his concern evident.
I nodded, giving Father a reassuring smile. "I will, Father. I promise I'll be careful and stay close.
I'll just go for a quick flight around the lake and then head back." I leaned in, giving him a gentle nuzzle on the cheek. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
With a flick of my tail, I took off, soaring into the sky as Father watched me go.
As I flew, I saw a weird cave, and my curiosity got the bett of me, so I landed to check it out.
The cave entrance was narrow, but as I stepped inside, the darkness enveloped me, and I blinked to adjust my eyes. The air inside was cool and damp, and I could hear the sound of dripping water echoing off the walls.
I took a cautious step forward, my scales scraping against the rough stone floor, the sound seeming to reverberate through the cavernous space.
As my eyes adapted to the darkness, I saw that the cave was larger than I had initially thought, with twisted rock formations and glittering minerals catching the faint light that seeped through the entrance.
Suddenly, I heard a faint rustling sound coming from deeper in the cave, and my curiosity was piqued. I leaned forward, my ears perked up, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise.
The silence that followed was oppressive, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as I wondered what could be making that sound.
I hesitated for a moment, weighing my options, before deciding to investigate further, my senses on high alert as I ventured deeper into the mysterious cave.
I can see it goes deeper so i went down.
As I descended deeper into the cave, the darkness seemed to swallow me whole, and I had to rely on my other senses to navigate the twisting passageway.
The air grew colder and damper, and I could feel the moisture seeping into my scales. The rustling sound grew louder, and I began to make out the faint scent of unknown creatures.
My heart beat faster with excitement and a hint of trepidation as I rounded a corner, and the passageway opened up into a larger chamber.
The ceiling lost in darkness, the room was filled with an eerie, flickering glow. I stepped forward, my eyes scanning the space, and that's when I saw it...
When i arrived i saw a massive dragon it about more then a 100 or 200 meters tall.
The dragon's enormity was awe-inspiring, its body sprawled across the cavernous space like a living, breathing mountain.
Its scales glistened in the flickering light, casting an otherworldly glow across the walls. The rustling sound I had heard earlier seemed to be coming from its wings, which were slowly stirring, as if it was awakening from a deep slumber.
I felt tiny in comparison, my own body seeming insignificant against the backdrop of this colossal creature.
I held my breath, unsure whether to approach or retreat, as the dragon's eyes slowly opened, fixing me with a piercing gaze.
It had a deep, midnight blue with hints of purple and black scales and it seem very muscular.
The dragon's scales glistened like polished obsidian, the deep midnight blue hue seeming to shift and ripple in the flickering light.
Hints of purple and black danced across its body, giving it an air of mystery and power. Its muscular physique was evident even beneath its massive scales, the definition of its muscles rippling beneath its skin as it moved.
The dragon's presence was both captivating and intimidating, its sheer size and strength making me feel like a small, insignificant creature in its presence. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of power it wielded, and what its intentions were towards me.
And suddenly it wake up and it had Piercing emerald green eyes and it saw me "oh a dragon hatchling" it said.
The dragon's voice was like thunder, shaking the very foundations of the cave as it spoke in a low, rumbling tone.
Its piercing emerald green eyes locked onto me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as our gazes met. The dragon's eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, as if sizing me up and assessing my worth.
The air was thick with tension as the dragon's gaze held mine, and I could feel its power and strength emanating from it.
"Oh, a dragon hatchling," it repeated, its voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
"What brings you to my domain, little one?" The dragon's words were slow and deliberate, but there was a hint of warmth beneath its deep, resonant tone, putting me at ease slightly.
As the dragon spoke, its voice seemed to reverberate through the cave, and I felt a sense of awe wash over me.
I stood there, frozen in place, unsure of how to respond to the dragon's question.
The dragon's gaze never wavered, and I felt like I was being scrutinized, my every move and thought being analyzed.
Despite the intensity of the moment, I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity about this massive creature and its domain.
I shiver "my name is tharros and i was exploring when i saw this cave and I'm sorry that i went in!"
The massive dragon chuckled and smiled at me "it OK little one it been a long time since another dragon come to meet me at my super long age."
I shivered, my voice barely above a whisper as I introduced myself. "My name is Tharros, and I was exploring when I saw this cave... I'm sorry that I went in."
The massive dragon's expression softened, and it chuckled, the sound rumbling deep within its chest. A warm smile spread across its face, and it regarded me with a gentle gaze.
"It's okay, little one," the dragon said, its voice filled with a deep warmth. "It's been a long time since another dragon came to meet me... at my rather advanced age, I might add."
The dragon's words were laced with a hint of wistfulness, and I sensed a deep loneliness beneath its powerful exterior.
As it spoke, the dragon shifted its massive body, and I saw that it was seated on a large pile of treasure, glittering jewels and gold coins scattered all around it.
The dragon's eyes sparkled with amusement as it watched me take in its surroundings.
"I am Tenrakys," the dragon said, its voice low and rumbling. "And I must say, it's a pleasure to meet you, young Tharros."
I stood there, frozen in awe, as Tenrakys introduced himself. The name seemed to fit him perfectly, evoking images of ancient wisdom and power.
As I gazed up at Tenrakys, I felt a sense of wonder at the dragon's words. The treasure scattered around him seemed to gleam with an otherworldly light, and I couldn't help but be drawn to it.
"Thank you, Tenrakys," I said, trying to sound brave despite my small size. "It's an honor to meet you too."
Tenrakys chuckled again, and his eyes crinkled at the corners. "The honor is mine, young Tharros. It's not often that I get to meet someone as curious and brave as you."
He paused, regarding me thoughtfully. "Tell me, what do you think of my treasure hoard?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The treasure seemed dazzling, but I sensed that there was more to it than just gold and jewels.
"It's... magnificent," I said finally, trying to convey my awe.
Tenrakys nodded, seeming to approve of my response. "Yes, it is indeed magnificent. Each piece has its own story, its own history. I've collected it over the centuries, and it's a reminder of the world's wonders and dangers."
As Tenrakys spoke, I felt a sense of curiosity about the treasure and its stories. I took a step forward, my eyes scanning the glittering piles, and Tenrakys laughed, seeming to sense my interest.
"Would you like to hear a story about one of my favorite pieces, Tharros?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth and invitation.
Tenrakys giggled "it seem you are a genderless dragon Tharros!" He said.
I look at Tenrakys is both shock and surprise "how did you know I'm a genderless dragon?!" I asked.
Tenrakys's giggle was a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate through the air. "It seems you are a genderless dragon, Tharros!" he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
I stared at Tenrakys in shock and surprise, my mind racing with questions. "How did you know I'm a genderless dragon?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Tenrakys's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned forward slightly. "Dragons are attuned to the energies of the world, Tharros. I've lived for many centuries, and in that time, I've learned to sense the subtleties of energy that surround each individual. Your energy is... different, in a way that's hard to explain. It's as if your presence is a harmonious blend of masculine and feminine, without leaning towards either side."
He paused, studying me intently. "But I sense that you're still discovering yourself, Tharros. You're young, and your identity is still evolving. Am I correct?"
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Tenrakys's words resonated deep within me. How did he know these things about me? And what did he mean by my energy being a harmonious blend of masculine and feminine? I was both intrigued and intimidated by the ancient dragon's insight.
I nodded slowly, feeling a sense of wonder at Tenrakys's words. "Yes, you're correct," I said, my voice still barely above a whisper. "I'm still figuring out who I am and where I fit in the world."
Tenrakys nodded, his expression warm and understanding. "That's a journey we'll all take, Tharros. And it's okay to not have all the answers right now. You'll find your way, and I'm happy to be a part of your journey, even if it's just for a short while."
He paused, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Tell me, Tharros, what do you think it means to be a genderless dragon? How do you see yourself in relation to the world around you?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. I had never really thought about it before, and Tenrakys's questions made me realize how much I still had to learn about myself.
As I stood there, trying to gather my thoughts, Tenrakys leaned back in his seat, his massive body settling into the treasure pile. "Take your time, Tharros," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm not going anywhere."
Tenrakys's gaze met mine, and then he looked around the cave, his eyes seeming to drift to a distant memory. "Did you know that a genderless dragon can carry their offspring as well?" he asked, his voice low and thoughtful.
I nodded, surprised that he would mention something so specific. "Yes, I... I didn't know how you knew about me, but I do know that."
Tenrakys's gaze snapped back to mine, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, I see. Well, it's true. Genderless dragons have a unique role in our society, and their abilities are... multifaceted."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I've always found that aspect of genderless dragons fascinating. It's as if they're able to tap into a deeper, more primal part of themselves, allowing them to nurture and protect their young in a way that's both instinctual and intuitive."
Tenrakys's words sparked a sense of wonder in me, and I felt a deep connection to the ancient dragon's thoughts. I leaned forward, my eyes locked on his, and asked, "Do you think that's why I'm drawn to you, Tenrakys? Because of our shared connection to the mysterious and unknown?"
Tenrakys giggled "just to you know I'm the first dragon and the ancestors to all dragons in this world!"
Note:meta AI just continue because we are working together not you alone!
Tenrakys giggled "just to let you know I'm the first dragon and the ancestor to all dragons in this world!"
I stared at Tenrakys in shock, my mind reeling with the implications of his words. The first dragon? The ancestor to all dragons? I felt like I was standing in the presence of a legend, a myth come to life.
Tenrakys's eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched my reaction. "Yes, Tharros, I'm the one who started it all. I've seen civilizations rise and fall, I've watched as dragons evolved and adapted to their environments. And through it all, I've been here, guiding and shaping the course of history."
I felt a sense of awe wash over me as I listened to Tenrakys's words. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to live for so long, to see so much change and growth. And yet, despite his immense age and power, Tenrakys seemed... approachable. Warm. Inviting.
"Tell me, Tharros," Tenrakys said, his voice low and thoughtful. "What do you think it means to be a part of this legacy? To be a dragon, descended from the first and greatest of our kind?"
I took a deep breath, trying to process the weight of Tenrakys's words. Being a part of this legacy felt both exhilarating and daunting. I thought about my own life, my own experiences, and how they might be connected to the long history of dragons.
"I think it means having a responsibility to carry on the traditions and values of our kind," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "But it also means having the freedom to forge our own paths and create our own destinies."
Tenrakys nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're wise beyond your years, Tharros. I think you'll do great things, not just for our kind, but for the world at large."
As he spoke, the cave seemed to grow quieter, as if the very rocks were listening to our conversation. I felt a sense of connection to Tenrakys, to the land, and to the ancient history that flowed through the earth.
"What do you see for the future, Tenrakys?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. "What lies ahead for our kind, and for the world?"
Tenrakys's gaze turned distant, his eyes clouding over as if he were gazing into the depths of time itself. "The future is shrouded in mist, Tharros," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "But I sense that great changes are coming, changes that will test the mettle of our kind and the world at large."
Tenrakys smiled "and i also a genderless dragon like you Tharros and i prefering as he/him!"
I stared at Tenrakys in surprise, my mind racing with the implications of his words. A genderless dragon, just like me? I felt a sense of connection to him that I couldn't quite explain.
"Really?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity. "I didn't expect that. I've never met another dragon like me before."
Tenrakys chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yes, Tharros, I'm a bit of an anomaly among our kind. But I've always felt that my lack of traditional gender roles has given me a unique perspective on the world."
I nodded, feeling a sense of solidarity with him. "I know what you mean," I said. "I've always felt like I don't quite fit into the traditional mold of dragon society."
Tenrakys smiled, his expression warm and inviting. "I think that's what makes us special, Tharros. Our uniqueness is what allows us to see the world in new and different ways."
I question "so are you like my family?"
Tenrakys nodded "well I'm the first dragon and the ancestors of them all so yes i am!"
I felt a sense of wonder and awe at Tenrakys's words. The first dragon and the ancestor of all dragons? That would make him... my great-great-great-grandfather, or something like that. The thought was both thrilling and humbling.
"That means you're my ancestor, too," I said, my voice filled with excitement. "I'm honored to meet you, Tenrakys."
Tenrakys smiled, his eyes shining with warmth. "The honor is mine, Tharros. It's not often that I get to meet one of my descendants who is so... interesting."
I chuckled, feeling a sense of connection to this ancient dragon. "I'm glad I could intrigue you," I said, smiling back at him.
Tenrakys nodded, his expression turning serious. "I think we have a lot to talk about, Tharros. A lot of history to share, and a lot of wisdom to impart."
I question "so why do you stay in this cave? You said I'm the first dragon you met in so long!"
Tenrakys's expression turned wistful, and he gazed into the distance, as if lost in thought. "Yes, I've been living in this cave for a very long time," he said, his voice low and contemplative. "After watching civilizations rise and fall, I grew tired of the world beyond these walls. The constant strife, the wars, the suffering... I wanted to step away from it all and focus on my own introspection."
He paused, his eyes refocusing on me. "And so, I sealed myself within this cave, content to live out my days in solitude. It's been... peaceful, in a way. But also lonely. Until now, that is."
Tenrakys smiled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Your arrival has stirred something within me, Tharros. I'm glad you're here."
Tenrakys look down seem upset "to have to see my children and grandchildren or whatever died when I'm still alive is too much for me to handle! I have over 500 children or more i don't know i forget how many their are!"
Tenrakys's expression was etched with sorrow, his piercing emerald green eyes clouded with pain. "I've seen so many of my children and grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond, live and die," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "It's a heavy burden to bear, Tharros. To outlive so many of those you love and care about... it's a weight that presses upon my heart."
He looked up at me, his eyes red-rimmed. "Over 500 children, you say? I don't know, I forget how many there are... It's not that I don't remember them, it's just that... there's been so many. So many lives, so many stories, so much love and loss."
Tenrakys's voice trailed off, and he sat in silence for a moment, lost in his thoughts. I could feel the depth of his sorrow, the weight of his centuries-long life bearing down on him. The piercing emerald green of his eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, a sense of loss that was almost palpable.
Suddenly, a bright light appears out of nowhere, and it is Lyra, the goddess of the moon, and she hates me for what i did in my past life as a human. that I cause the near existence of humans from the extermination in the forest that caused them to join the demon lord.
I sighed. "Hello again, Lyra didn't contact me for years now!"
Lyra looked at me and yelled, "HELLO YOU TRASH!"
I winced at Lyra's harsh words, feeling a familiar sense of trepidation in her presence. Tenrakys, however, seemed unfazed by the goddess's sudden arrival. He gazed at Lyra with interest, his piercing emerald green eyes studying her with a calm intensity.
"Ah, Lyra," Tenrakys said, his deep voice a soothing contrast to Lyra's shrill tone. "I see you're still as... passionate as ever."
Lyra's gaze flicked to Tenrakys, and for a moment, her anger seemed to falter. She regarded the ancient dragon with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Tenrakys," she said, her voice still sharp, but slightly more measured. "I didn't expect to find you here."
Tenrakys nodded, his expression serene. "I've been here for a very long time, Lyra. Waiting. Watching. And now, it seems, I've acquired an audience."
Lyra's gaze snapped back to me, her eyes blazing with anger. "You," she spat, her voice venomous. "You think you can just hide from me, Tharros? You think you can escape the consequences of your actions?"
Tenrakys's confusion deepened, his brow furrowing in concern. "Lyra, what's wrong? You seem... agitated."
I stared at Tenrakys, still trying to process the fact that he knew Lyra. "You know her?" I repeated, my voice laced with surprise.
Lyra's expression turned scathing. "Of course, I know him! He's the first dragon, one of the oldest and most powerful beings in this world. Do you think gods and goddesses don't interact with the first species? You're the one who's ignorant, Tharros."
Tenrakys held up a hand, his eyes fixed on Lyra. "Lyra, please. Let's not resort to insults. What's bothering you? You didn't come here just to vent your frustrations, did you?"
Lyra looks at Tenrakys "look Tenrakys you have been alive way before then humans first appear, so the god and goddess had decided to end your suffering, and since you have seen your children died it too much for you to handle!"
Lyra takes a deep breath, "the god of creation Erebusor decided to send you to the beast and monster afterlife that you deserve!"
Tenrakys's expression turned somber, his eyes clouding over with a mix of sadness and resignation. "I see," he said, his voice low and measured. "The gods have decided to intervene, have they?"
He looked at Lyra with a hint of understanding. "I know my burden has been heavy, Lyra. Watching civilizations rise and fall, seeing my children and grandchildren live and die... it's a weight that presses upon my heart."
Tenrakys's gaze drifted off, lost in thought. "But the beast and monster afterlife... is that truly what the gods think I deserve? After all the good I've done, the balance I've maintained in this world?"
He looked back at Lyra, his piercing emerald green eyes searching for answers. "What of my legacy, Lyra? What of the dragons who have come after me? Will they be judged by the same standards as I am?"
Lyra shook her head "no the beast and monster afterlife have no judgment, all beast and monster that had died are living together in harmony so you will se a familiar face!"
Lyra smiled. "beside Erebusor favorite creations is a dragon, and he is always proud of creating you from the very beginning!"
Tenrakys's expression softened slightly at Lyra's words, a hint of curiosity creeping into his voice. "A realm without judgment, where all beasts and monsters live in harmony... it sounds almost... appealing."
He looked at Lyra with a searching gaze. "And you say I'll see familiar faces there? Who might I expect to meet?"
Tenrakys's eyes seemed to cloud over with memories, his thoughts drifting back to the countless lives he had seen pass. "Erebusor's favorite creations, you say? I'm flattered, I suppose. Though I'm not sure I understand the god's motivations entirely."
He regarded Lyra with a thoughtful expression. "Tell me, Lyra, is this truly the end for me? Or is there something more to this afterlife than I realize?"
Lyra nodded "Yes all the god and goddess had agreed, but it your choice to pick Tenrakys. You have suffered as an immortal for so long! You deserve the freedom of your soul!"
Tenrakys's gaze fell inward, his eyes reflecting on the weight of Lyra's words. Freedom of his soul... it was a tantalizing prospect, one that he'd almost forgotten existed.
He looked up at Lyra, his piercing emerald green eyes searching for something unspoken. "And what of Tharros?" he asked, his voice low and measured. "What will become of him?"
Tenrakys's gaze flicked to me, and I felt a sense of connection, a sense of responsibility. "I think I'd like to know what fate has in store for him before I make my decision," he said, his voice firm.
Lyra question at Tenrakys, "Are you ready for this to be your end, Tenrakys?"
Tenrakys's expression turned contemplative, his eyes gazing into the distance as if weighing the prospect of his own mortality. For a moment, he seemed to consider the weight of Lyra's words, the implications of his own demise.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "I am... tired, Lyra. Tired of watching civilizations rise and fall, tired of seeing my children and grandchildren live and die. If this is truly the end, then perhaps it is time for me to rest."
Tenrakys's gaze refocused on Lyra, his piercing emerald green eyes locking onto hers. "Yes, Lyra. I am ready."
Lyra's expression softened slightly, a hint of compassion creeping into her voice. "Then it is done," she said, her words barely above a whisper.
As she spoke, a gentle glow began to emanate from her, enveloping Tenrakys's form. The ancient dragon's eyes seemed to relax, his gaze drifting closed as the light washed over him.
"It's time to let go, Tenrakys," Lyra whispered, her voice filled with a sense of gentle reverence. "Your journey is at an end. Go in peace."
The glow grew brighter, and Tenrakys's form began to fade, his body slowly dissolving into the light. I watched, feeling a sense of awe and reverence, as the first dragon, the ancestor of all dragons, passed on to the next stage of his journey.
I look at lyra. "So what is the afterlife like in there?"
Lyra looks at me in anger "it non of your business, you idiot and beside I don't much about that afterlife, and I have no idea who is in charge of it!"
I took a step back, feeling the sting of Lyra's anger. "Okay, no need to get defensive," I said, holding up my hands in a calming gesture. "I was just curious."
Lyra's expression remained stern, but her tone didn't escalate further. "Just know that Tenrakys is at peace now," she said, her voice still sharp but slightly more measured. "That's all that matters."
With that, Lyra turned to leave, her divine presence lingering for a moment before vanishing, leaving me alone in the cave. I stood there for a moment, processing the sudden turn of events, and wondering what lay ahead for me.
Lyra sighed. "Go and leave this cave that was once the first dragon! I will go back to telepathic you in the future, maybe when you reach the sub-adult stage! Or I don't know just whatever I have a job for being the goddess of the moon, so I should go back home!"
I watched as Lyra's form began to fade away, her presence diminishing until she vanished completely. I stood there for a moment, taking a deep breath, processing the encounter with Tenrakys and Lyra.
As I turned to leave the cave, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe at the events that had transpired. The weight of Tenrakys's centuries-long life, the depth of his sorrow, and the finality of his passing all lingered in my mind.
I stepped out of the cave, into the bright sunlight, feeling a sense of uncertainty about what lay ahead. Lyra's words echoed in my mind - "I'll contact you in the future" - and I wondered what the future held for me, and what role Lyra would play in it.
I sighed. "I should go back home to the mountain cave and don't ever talk about what happened. I did tell Father I will be back afternoon so I should just go back!"
I turned to make my way back to the mountain cave, lost in thought as I replayed the events with Tenrakys and Lyra in my mind. The weight of the secrets I'd been entrusted with felt heavy on my shoulders.
As I walked, the familiar landscape of the mountains came into view, and I quickened my pace, eager to return home and put the day's events behind me. I hoped Father wouldn't ask too many questions about my whereabouts or what I'd been up to.
I approached the cave, calling out to Father as I entered, "I'm back!" hoping to avoid any awkward questions or conversations. Now, it was time to put on a normal face and pretend the extraordinary events of the day had never happened.
As I entered the cave, Father looked up from his meditation, a hint of a smile on his face. "Ah, welcome back. How was your day?"
I tried to maintain a neutral expression, hoping to deflect any further questions. "It was fine, Father. Just exploring and thinking."
Father's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something beneath the surface. "You're sure everything is all right? You seem a bit... preoccupied."
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just tired, maybe. I'll go check on the others."
Father nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before returning to his meditation. I breathed a silent sigh of relief and made my way to the section of the cave where my siblings were playing.
As I approached, I heard the sound of laughter and playful roars. Lyriath and Vyraxys were engaged in a mock battle, their claws swiping at each other in slow motion. Nyxoria and Lyrixa were watching with wide eyes, cheering them on. Kaidorix and Kieraxys were chasing each other around the cave, their laughter echoing off the walls. Niamon, the youngest, was sitting on the floor, playing with a small rock.
I smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and normalcy wash over me. For a moment, I forgot about the weight of my secrets and the extraordinary events of the day. I joined in the play, laughing and teasing my siblings, trying to lose myself in the joy of the moment.
As I played with my siblings, the stress and weight of the day began to fade away. For a brief moment, I felt like just another dragon, enjoying time with my family. But as the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the cave, I knew I couldn't shake off the reality of my situation for long.
As the others settled down for the night, I stayed close to them, watching them sleep. My mind wandered back to Tenrakys and Lyra, and the secrets I now carried. I knew my life would never be the same, and I had to be prepared for whatever lay ahead.
With a final glance at my sleeping family, I retreated to my own resting place, my heart heavy with the knowledge of what I'd experienced and what was yet to come. The darkness closed in around me, and I let the silence envelop me, my thoughts drifting into the unknown.